This news item expired on Friday, March 31, 2023 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Buncombe County Parks & Recreation staff and the newly hired Open Space Bond Manager hosted events in early March to gather public feedback that will shape the way greenway projects are selected. Additional opportunities to give feedback are also available online.
Parks & Recreation Director Allison Dains and Principal Park Planner Thomas Gull presented plans, funding breakdowns, and selection criteria to both stakeholders and the public. Open Space Bond Manager Jill Carter was also on hand to answer questions and explain how the bond funds could be used. The public event, hosted at Community High School in Swannanoa, saw 20 participants generate comments and questions on the greenways criteria categories like equity, accessibility, funding sources, and more. Gull emphasized that the criteria should reflect the community’s values.
There is still time to help shape the future of greenways. Interested community members can watch the public presentation, review the materials, and give their feedback through online participation at the County’s Open Space Bond Public Input website. The survey is available until March 31.